Why Barnsley must not rush in making key decision

Barnsley fans have every right to be concerned about what the immediate future holds after Paul Heckingbottom decided to leave for Yorkshire rivals Leeds United.

The Tykes are currently just one point and one place above the relegation zone, have one win in 16 games and are without a permanent manager ahead of this afternoon’s clash against Sheffield Wednesday.

When you add in to the mix that they clearly expected Heckingbottom to stay having backed him in the transfer market and with a new contract just days before he left, then you could understand why those in charge may be panicking.

However, it’s vital that they don’t.

Appointing a new manager is critical to their hopes of survival and it has to be the right man.

That should go without saying but we have seen clubs from the Premier League to League Two panic when their plans are ruined mid-season and it can have a negative impact.

The two current frontrunners are Danny Cowley and Mick McCarthy but the Tykes hierarchy will have to be patient and may have to fight to land the new manager that they want, but it’s important they do.

Would McCarthy want to leave now for a relegation battle when he has an outside shot at the top six with Ipswich? Will the Cowley brothers depart Lincoln when there’s a possibility they could be in the same league as Barnsley next season?

These are the questions that may put those managers off and other candidates may need convincing before they take on a side in a relegation scrap.

Barnsley have made shrewd decisions over recent years, particularly promoting Heckingbottom, and it’s vital the board consider all their options now.

With the situation they find themselves in, it would be easy to panic. However, those in charge at Barnsley need to ensure they don’t rush what is a massive decision for this football club.
Thoughts, Barnsley fans? Let us know in the comments below.